Sepsis

Sepsis is a very serious complication caused by infection which can be fatal if left untreated. While it can occur to anyone, it is more common in elderly patients or those who have reduced function of their immune system. Once sepsis progresses to septic shock, damage to the organs can be so severe that it causes them to fail.

Symptoms of Sepsis

Sepsis can be readily identified by an increased body temperature, shallow and rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, an abrupt change in mental state, and significant decrease in urination.

Because sepsis usually occurs in people who are hospitalized, if there is a failure to diagnose the patient followed by a failure to treat the infection, the healthcare facility could have acted negligently and there may be a case for medical malpractice.

Injuries Caused by Sepsis

Sepsis can cause long-term injuries that require additional medical attention and may possibly even lead to death. Blood supply to vital organs is diminished which can cause irreversible damage. Additionally, blood clots can form in the arms, legs, fingers, and toes.

Also, some medications used to treat the symptoms of sepsis could be harmful when incorrectly managed. Please see here for more information about that specifically.

Know Your Rights

If you or a loved one was under the care of a healthcare professional and was severely injured, or you’ve lost a family member due to sepsis, it is important to understand that this is not your fault. You likely have many unanswered questions: How did they not know? Why didn’t they act fast enough? Why did this happen?

Failure to diagnose or treat sepsis can be considered negligent, or mean that the healthcare professional simply did not provide the standard of care required of them by law. To determine whether or not you have a medical malpractice claim, you are urged to contact an experienced attorney who can help you understand what your legal rights are and what you need to do in order to pursue legal action.

Get Help

Medical malpractice is a very complex area of law. Failure to diagnose sepsis or failure to treat sepsis will fall under this type of claim. In most cases, the burden of proving that the healthcare facility erred will be on the victim or their family. This is a burden that can prove to be very arduous and emotional for all of the people affected.

The attorneys at Brown & Brothers understand what you are going through. With decades of experience dedicated to families and victims of medical negligence, they have the tools and the resources necessary to fight the largest healthcare providers on your behalf.

Contact our office today.We will review your case free of charge and without any obligation. We will help you understand the legal process and answer any questions you may have. You don’t have to go through this alone. We are here to help you.